Wedge-Shaped Trim Tab Assembly for Marine Vessel Attitude Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current trim tabs for marine vessels are not effectively integrated into the hull, require bulky actuators, and lack sufficient motion to dampen vessel motion, necessitating improved designs for easier integration and effective actuation.
Innovation Solution
A trim tab assembly featuring a wedge-shaped body with a curved surface and electric actuator positioned within an enclosure, allowing for pivotal movement relative to the enclosure, which is integrated into the vessel's support structure, reducing the need for bulky actuators and enhancing motion damping capabilities.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of manufacture
If trim tabs are attached to the outside of the hull, then they are easily installed, but they require bulky actuators that are not easily integrated into the vessel
Solution Approach 1:
The trim tab assembly is nested within a hollow enclosure that is integrated into the hull structure. The enclosure contains the actuator, hinge assembly, and trim tab, allowing compact integration without requiring external mounting space. This resolves the contradiction by providing easy installation through integrated design while eliminating the need for bulky external actuators.
2Ease of operation
If prior art trim tabs are used, then they can be actuated, but they do not move at a rate sufficient to dampen motion of the vessel
Solution Approach 1:
The trim tab is designed with a wedge-shaped body and curved surface that enables rapid pivotal movement about the hinge assembly. The electric actuator provides high-speed actuation, allowing the trim tab to move quickly enough to effectively dampen vessel motion. This resolves the contradiction by providing both actuation capability and sufficient motion speed for effective wave damping.
3Ease of operation
If prior art trim tabs are used, then they can be actuated, but they require large forces to actuate the tabs
Solution Approach 1:
The mechanical actuation system is replaced with an electric actuator that provides sufficient force to move the trim tab with much lower input force requirements. The electric motor converts electrical energy to mechanical motion, eliminating the need for large hydraulic forces or complex mechanical advantage systems. This resolves the contradiction by providing actuation capability while significantly reducing the force required to actuate the tab.
4Ease of operation
If trim tabs require running lines and hoses through the hull, then they can be actuated, but the integration into the vessel becomes complex
Solution Approach 1:
The actuator and control system are extracted and contained within the hollow enclosure that is integrated into the hull. This eliminates the need to run lines and hoses through the hull, as all actuation components are self-contained within the enclosure. The enclosure itself serves as the integration interface with the hull, simplifying the overall integration process while maintaining full actuation capability.
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
The trim tab assembly effectively adjusts pitch, roll, and yaw motion of the vessel by deflecting water, providing dynamic damping and attitude control, with reduced actuation force requirements and improved integration within the vessel.
Implementation Method 1
A first portion of the curved surface (i) extends below the marine vessel while in the deployed state, and (ii) deflects oncoming water when at least a portion of the curved surface is extended below the marine vessel
Data Source
AI summary
A trim tab assembly including a hinge assembly and a trim tab. The trim tab includes a wedge-shaped body with a curved surface and a side. The curved surface, while in a deployed state, adjusts pitch, roll or yaw motion of a marine vessel. The curved surface is pivoted about a portion of the hinge assembly when transitioned between retracted and deployed states. A first portion of the curved surface extends below the marine vessel while in the deployed state and deflects oncoming water when a portion of the curved surface is extended below the marine vessel. A second portion of the curved surface is not below the marine vessel while in the deployed state. The hinge assembly is configured to attach to a support structure of the marine vessel rearward of the curved surface. The side extends between the curved surface and the hinge assembly.